Robins flies to victory in Autograss nationals (From Stroud News and Journal)

Robins flies to victory in Autograss nationals

A HIGH level of driving skill from Neil Robins has awarded him the crown of National Junior Champion in the motorsport of Autograss racing.

The Hardwicke driver took part in the Autograss Ladies and Junior National Championships that were held in York last weekend.

Robins, 15, came out as number one in a field that consisted of 92 other junior drivers and he kept his nerve and drove well to avoid any crashes that were going on around him.

He also drove fast throughout the whole day to take the coveted title of National Champion.

Robins qualified for the final after securing a second place in the semi.

In the junior final, Robins was first out at the start and he stayed in front of the chasing pack until he took the chequered flag.

The victory has meant that Neil has achieved his first goal in the sport, he said: "I have already achieved my first ambition in the sport by winning the nationals.

"Next year I will move into the adult races and my aim now is to qualify for the adult nationals and I would love to get into the top five."

The Severn Vale school pupil also competes in the British Autograss series.

This is a championship that consists of five meetings throughout the competitive season.

Out of the five rounds, two have already been raced and Robins is also challenging for honours in this.

The last round was held at the Bradford Autograss Club in Worcestershire and Neil won outright at this event.

The first place in that meeting means that Neil is now currently lying in second place overall.

Neils mother, said: "The nationals is the one thing that the boys who compete dream about. He is ecstatic about winning and its a dream come true for Neil."

Children can compete in the sport of Autograss at 12-years-old and Neil started the sport when he was 13.

He is a member of the Stroud and District Autograss club and the sport takes him all over the country.

The National Autograss Sports Association is the governing body of the sport and they have clubs situated in all parts of England.

Neil can take part in events in places as local as Gloucester or the Forest of Dean but also far away as the Yorkshire Dales.

The car that Neil uses in competition is an unmodified 1000cc Mini.

The building of the car started in July last year and was used to race first time in September 2001.

This weekend Neil will go up to Donington Park in Leicestershire to take part in a National Autograss Sports Association festival.

If anyone is interested in Autograss motoracing, you can find more information at www.autograssracing.co.uk